NYC Boat Show

van lafermine

Member
Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2008
RO Number
29446
Messages
476
Went to the NYC boat show on Sat. I wanted to talk with the Regal people and found that they were not present at the show. I was surprised to see that Regal was not represented. Why would they not be at a Major NE boat show. It is the first of several but is the largest indoor show around. I hope this is not a bad sign for them.
Any feedback?
 
I posted up in ATC. The dealer who usually presents is Great Oak which is near me. They told me they were not going this year becuase of costs. They spend $100K to prepare and go to show with boats and they don't make it back. Instead, they and Regal agreed to use the money saved to offer discounts on boats.

I don't think it is a bad sign for Regal, I just think it is a sign of the times and a wise move on their part to control costs. In the end, those boat companies that can weather the tough times will survive, while those that continue to run fancy getaways, print fancy glossy brochures, use shows as boondoggles and then pass the expense onto their boats, will struggle or see greatly decreased sales. Boaters know good boats and don't need the thrills to make them buy.
 
"I hope this is not a bad sign for them."
The local dealer (Great Oaks) decided not to be at the show this year, I assume it was cost and lack of new sales. They also were not at the largest in water show on LI in October. Instead of beeing at the show, they are advertzing in the local papers. The local regal dealer is a small shop.
 
Small shop or not, he should give his rights to the show to another dealer then.

Regal is a great line of boats and it should be represented at the show. Even if its just one or two really nice boats.

Just another sign of the times. Perhaps Regal the manufacturer should offer more for the dealers to be at these shows.
 
Dave,

The way the NY boat show works for Regal is that the local 3 or 4 Regal dealers (NJ, Conn, Upstate NY and Great Oak)attend and share the cost of the booth along with bringing their perspective boats. The decision to not attend was not solely decided on by Great Oak. It was either prompted by Regal or the local dealers in response to the economy.
 
Gary,
I did not know that. I always only saw Great Oak there and they told me at the Norwalk show that they were not going to the show.

I wish I could of gotten my new boat through them, would of made it easier to get it home and get warranty work done. I have always liked visiting their shop as its close to my house.
 
Dave,
There is all new staffing there for the past year or two, and I am not that involved with them any longer. Previously I have sold for Great Oak at all the shows for 9 years and can tell you, a sale was never turned down. Under the new team things are perhaps a little different.
Glad things ended well for you, and good luck on the new boat and hope to see you at Watch Hill next year.
 
Regal was not the only manufacter not at the NY show. Rinker for one also was not there. When Sea Ray has only 2 boats over 40', 44SB & 48 dancer at the show and Silverton ONLY has 2 boats, 45 and 34 then one has to think things are really in the tank for the NY show. The show stopped being a must go several years ago. It is now a why bother for me.

The show was a major disappointment overall for me.
 
The Silverton dealer (SIYS) also sells Marquis, Carver, Cabo, Viking, and Cruiser, I would doubt they had Viking there or Marquis, but on the more affordable lines, were Carver and Cruiser there?

"The show stopped being a must go several years ago. It is now a why bother for me."
Me too, especially since the little equipment nick knack vendors dried up.

My guess would be its just not worth it for these vendors to be there, if it was they would be there.
 
They actually had 3 or 4 Marquis but since I think they are ugly boats I didn't bother to check them out. Cruiser was there with the biggest being the 390 and Carvar I don't recall seeing but I wasn't looking for that line.

No Cabo which I recall being there in the past and of course no Viking which I don't think I have ever seen at the NY show.

On a positive note I bought a case of clam chowder!
 
Since the NY show was a flop for Regal boats, anyone going down to the Miami Show in February?
I would bet on a warmer reception, temperature wise.
 
The NYC show is a waste due to the huge expense. The AC Show has a better venue, better accessability to a larger population and is less expense for exhibitors and attendees alike.
 
I may do the AC show this year. It's normally in February right?
 
Back
Top